New Zealand immigration minister: 89 per cent recommend NZ as a place to live

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In a major speech, the New Zealand immigration minister has praised the contribution skilled immigrants make to New Zealand and spoke about why even temporary New Zealand visa holders often stay to become resident.

Addressing the 12th International Metropolis Conference on Migration, Economic Growth and Social Cohesion in Melbourne, Australia, the honourable Chris Carter said that the New Zealand economy is growing rapidly and unemployment is at one of the lowest levels in the OECD.

"New Zealand businesses need migrants to provide skills at all levels. Each year the government takes about 50,000 new permanent residents - this is about twice as many migrants per capita as other like-minded countries such as Australia and Canada," he said.

Skilled migrants to New Zealand have found jobs or started their own businesses in 94 per cent of cases. It appears that skilled migrants are satisfied with life in New Zealand, as 89 per cent would recommend New Zealand as a place to live. In fact, many skilled temporary New Zealand visa holders choose to become resident after they have "tasted" New Zealand.

Carter cited research showing that factors drawing people to New Zealand immigration are "good job and business opportunities, work-life balance, access to a pristine natural environment, good health and education services, civil and political freedom, and, of course, security and safety".

New Zealand needs skilled migrants: Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa should begin by taking the New Zealand Visa Bureau's online New Zealand visa assessment to see if they meet the legislative requirements.